Proverbs 18:17
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.
Revised Version 1895
In The King James Version
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
In Context
16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Cross References
2 Samuel 16:1And when David was a little past the top of the ascent, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
Proverbs 18:13He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
Acts 24:12and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:17
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Of what great force gifts (that is, bribes) are he had intimated before, ch. xvii. 8 , 23 . Here he shows the power of gifts, that is, presents made even by inferiors to those that are above them and have much more than they have. A good present will go far, 1. Towards a man's liberty: A man's gift, if he be in prison, may procure his enlargement; there are courtiers, who, if they use their interest even for oppressed innocency, expect to… Read the whole commentary →